Arsenal eliminated FC Porto from the Champions League to reach the quarter-finals after two heated ties which created bad blood between the two clubs.
Porto secured victory in the very last minute of the first leg, creating extra pressure for Arsenal for their home leg of the knockout tie, and Arsenal did manage to bypass Porto’s time-wasting antics and stubborn defence to win 1-0 on the night.
However, they could not find a further goal, leading to extra times and penalties, and David Raya saved the day with two outstanding penalty stops.
Mikel Arteta and Sergio Conceicao were involved in heated spats on the touchline, with the Porto manager accusing the Spaniard of firing insults at him, and refusing to shake his hand at the end of the game.
Throughout both legs, there was plenty of bad blood on the pitch and touchline, but it has now emerged that this extended beyond the events during the games.
How Porto caused anger at Arsenal throughout Champions League tie
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Charles Watts revealed that behind the scenes, Porto echoed their on-field behaviour throughout the process of both ties.
“Porto have tried every little trick in the book during these two legs from what I understand,” he stated.
“There’s been lots going on behind the scenes to try and disrupt things and make it as difficult as possible for Arsenal, which is fine, it’s the way it is.
“The team sheets have been going in late, formations which normally have to be submitted to UEFA haven’t been submitted on time, just things like that just things to try and disrupt things for Arsenal, and make it really difficult for Arsenal, to throw them off track a little bit.”
Porto test was a good learning experience for Arsenal
Whilst Arsenal will have been frustrated by everything Porto did over the two legs, it will have been a good learning experience for Arteta and his players.
This young squad have very little experience in the late stages of European competition apart from a few players, and they will now be aware of the challenges which they could face in the quarter-finals, and potentially beyond.
Unlike some of their recent Premier League opponents, Porto had players such as defender Pepe who are highly experienced in the Champions League, and know exactly how to rough up and rattle the opposition.
Getting past Porto in spite of all the difficulties they caused should give this Arsenal side a lesson in how to navigate tough knockout ties, and how to tackle the frustrations which may be thrown at them.
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